---
title: "Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC)"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/u/upper-tract-urothelial-carcinoma-(utuc)/
description: "Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is a cancer that affects the inside lining (urothelium) of the kidney (the \"collecting system\" - where urine..."
---

# Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC)

Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is a cancer that affects the inside lining (urothelium) of the kidney (the "collecting system" - where urine starts to drain after it is made by the kidney) and the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). It is different from bladder cancer or kidney cancer. UTUC is rare, with an estimated 7,000 new cases in the United States each year.

Archived from the 2024 edition

## Overview

Men are two to three times more likely than women to get UTUC. It is most likely to occur in people age 70 or older. The biggest risk factor is smoking. People who have an inherited condition called Lynch syndrome are also at a higher risk. This condition predisposes people to certain types of cancer, one of which is UTUC.

Many people with UTUC do not have any symptoms. They are often diagnosed when they have a urine test for another reason and the test detects blood in the urine that can only be seen under a microscope. In some cases, a person with UTUC will see blood in their urine. Less common symptoms include pain in the side. In more advanced cases, a person may notice weight loss, loss of appetite or night sweats.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- Causes and Risk Factors
- Symptoms
- Types of UTUC
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- More Information
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Bladder Cancer, Control and Health

- [Benign (Not Cancerous) Uretheral Lesions Boys](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-(not-cancerous)-uretheral-lesions-boys/)
- [Benign (Not Cancerous) Uretheral Lesions Girls](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-(not-cancerous)-uretheral-lesions-girls/)
- [Benign (Not Cancerous) Urethral Lesions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-(not-cancerous)-urethral-lesions/)
- [Bladder Augmentation (Enlargement)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-augmentation-(enlargement)/)
- [Bladder Cancer](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/n/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer/)
- [Bladder Control Problems in Children](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-control-problems-in-children/)
- [Bladder Diverticulum](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-diverticulum/)
- [Bladder Dysfunction and Urine Control in Children](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-dysfunction-and-urine-control-in-children/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/u/upper-tract-urothelial-carcinoma-(utuc)/**
- Edition**2024 edition**
- Group**Bladder Cancer, Control and Health**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

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- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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